Novel idea: BBC Studios offers AI Agatha Christie writing course

BBC Studios is resurrecting Agatha Christie through AI technology, creating a digital likeness of the renowned mystery author for an educational series on crime novel writing. This unprecedented use of deepfake technology for creative education raises intriguing questions about digital resurrection for educational purposes, blending human expertise with AI to preserve the wisdom of literary masters who are no longer with us.

The big picture: BBC Studios has launched an AI-recreated version of mystery writer Agatha Christie to teach aspiring authors how to craft crime novels through its online education platform.

• The digital recreation combines the performance of actor Vivien Keene with AI technology that transforms her appearance to resemble Christie.
• This digital resurrection project represents an emerging trend of using AI to preserve and share the expertise of cultural figures posthumously.

Key details: The new “Agatha Christie Writing” class is available now on BBC Maestro, the company’s $10 monthly subscription-based online learning platform.

• The course consists of 11 video lessons accompanied by 12 practical exercises for students, covering topics like “structuring an airtight plot” and “building suspense.”
• BBC Maestro typically features living professionals teaching various skills including graphic design, bread making, and time management.

Behind the creation: The AI Christie was developed through collaboration between BBC Studios and the Agatha Christie Estate using multiple historical sources.

• Developers utilized restored audio recordings, licensed images, interviews, and Christie’s own writings to create an authentic representation.
• The course content is human-crafted rather than AI-generated, using insights from the real Christie and scripts developed by academics.

What they’re saying: James Prichard, Christie’s great-grandson, endorsed the project in the press release, noting that the teachings are presented “in Agatha’s very own words.”